Campus crime drops again, continuing decade-long trend

KU's Public Safety Office had 4 percent fewer criminal offenses reported in 2006 than the previous year, marking a 50 percent decline over the past decade, according to recently released crime statistics.

The decline — from 770 criminal offenses reported in 2005 to 737 reported in 2006 — continues a trend seen since 1997, when more than 1,400 criminal offenses were reported.

"A safe and secure environment on campus is vital for this university to fulfill its mission," said Chancellor Robert Hemenway. "While everyone must use common sense and take proper precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime no matter where they are, the programs, patrols and other security measures we have initiated are making a real difference."

As in past years, violent crimes account for less than 1 percent of all crimes reported. Property crimes continue to account for the majority of crimes reported on the Lawrence campus. The number of reported thefts is down almost 50 percent compared to 1997.

The number of auto burglaries reported in 2006 increased slightly when compared to 2005, but the 2006 figures reflect a 75 percent decline in the number of auto burglaries that were reported in 1997. Only one car was reported stolen from campus in 2006, compared to eight reported stolen in 2005.

A continued increase in the number of educational programs presented to students, including several in the university's fraternity and sorority community, the installation of security cameras in many of the student housing areas and the ongoing support of the university's administration all combine to make the campus as safe as possible, said Ralph V. Oliver, chief of KU's Public Safety Office

"It takes more than the efforts of the men and women of the KU Public Safety Office to make a safer campus," said Oliver. "This continued decline could only be achieved through the cooperation of the university community as a whole."